University to celebrate Russian culture this week

Series of events, including a folklore music concert, Durak tournament and Russian ball, run April 7-10

The Brandeis and Greater Boston communities are invited to get a taste of Russia this April during the university's Russian Culture Week.

The series of April 7-10 events include a concert of Russian folklore music, a lecture on the post-Soviet nationalism, a tournament of the popular Russian card game, “Durak,” and a Russian ball. A complete schedule is below. All events are free and open to the public.

"This initiative promotes awareness of cultural and linguistic diversity, to which Brandeis is committed,” said Svitlana Malykhina, lecturer in the Russian Studies Program. “Russian Culture Week will offer everybody interested in Russia opportunities for socializing, learning and exchanging opinions. We also hope that residents of Greater Boston will join us for these events. “

For more questions regarding Brandeis Russian Culture Week, contact Svitlana Malykhina at malykhin@brandeis.edu or by phone at 781-736-3191

Russian Culture Week schedule

Wednesday, April 7
“Folklore Kaleidoscope” – special performance by Zolotoy PlyosRapaporte Treasure Hall, Goldfarb Library
5 - 6 p.m.
An interactive workshop on Russian folklore with the musicians of Zolotoy Plyos, a professional Russian folk music trio. This workshop will feature Russian dance moves, singing tricks, and tips for playing traditional instruments! Russian-style refreshments will be served.
7 – 8:30 p.m.
The three musicians from the ancient Russian city of Saratov will present an engaging concert. They will perform folk music in Russian, Ukrainian, and Yiddish using 27 different kinds of instruments.

Thursday, April 8
“After Weimar Russia? Post-Soviet Landscape of Xenophobia” – A lecture by professor Sergey GlebovPearlman Lounge
7 - 8:30 p.m.
Sergey Glebov will talk about the growing sense of ethnic and religious intolerance in the Russian Federation, and discuss the roots of this phenomenon. Glebov is assistant professor of History at Smith College and the Five Colleges.

Friday, April 9
Durak TournamentLevine-Ross, Hassenfeld Conference Center
8 – 10 p.m.
Join us for an exciting evening of playing a traditional Russian card game DURAK! For more information contact Julia Rabkin.

Saturday, April 10Russian Ball
Lurias, Hassenfeld Conference Center
10 p.m. – 2 a.m.
The closing event, an authentic Russian dance party, will feature DJ Belo from Bentley University, spinning the latest and the greatest Russian hits, as well as some of your Top 40 favorites. Russian dessert will be provided. Dress code: Semi-formal attire. For more information contact Julia Rabkin.